On 30th August, we were invited to represent Travel Massive at a major travel-related media event called APPEAR project that would change the way tourism and travel operates in Thailand. We were honored and excited to say the least.

Once we got there, we realized this was a big deal as top media and major hotel chain representatives were here covering the event. Not only did this mean great networking opportunities but also we were so glad to be part of something that was hopefully going to make an impact

The Concept

The APPEAR project is joint effort between the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Hivesters to improve the and promote sustainable tourism in Thailand.

The project’s main goal is to support endangered communities in Bangkok by preserving their traditions and improving their livelihoods through tourism.

In this event, 6 different communities are being partnered with 6 leading hotels in Bangkok to work together and promote travel and tourism activities.

Conference Agenda

• Introduction to event & Welcome speech – Mr. Martin Hart-Hansen, UNDP representative
• Keynote speech  – Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governer of Tourism Authority of Thailand
• About the APPEAR Project – Ms. Achiraya Thamparipattra, Co-founder of Hivesters
• Panel discussion
• Partnership between hotels and communities announcement
• Leave for local community visits

Unfortunately, the entire conference was in Thai except for the speech by Mr. Martin so we can’t really give any insights on what was said or discussed.

What we did understand is that this is a joint collaboration between government, private and non-governmental companies to improve local communities and tourism, which they are all very excited to be a part of. As were we!

Communities in APPEAR project

Each community is known for its special charm, nature and identity. Each are involved in creating products or activities that are indigneous to their community and often not found easily outside.

You can also check out the videos of each community by clicking on them below.

Nang Loeng – vibrant food market and performances

Hua Takhe – a hub of local living and contemporary art

Bang Lamphu – hollywood of the past

Bang Kradi – lost in Mon world

Ban Bu – legacy by hand

Koh Sarn Chao – crafted from nature

Since there are so many communities, everyone who registered were divided into groups. We were selected to be part of the group to visit Koh Sarn Chao. So obviously we can’t share what happened in the other community visits but here’s our experience at Koh Sarn Chao.

Koh Sarn Chao

Don’t be fooled by the Koh in the name. It’s not anything like Koh Samui or Ko Phangan. This is a small community situated in the middle of two canals, which makes the area feel like an island of its own. In the middle there is also a shrine, which is what the name comes from – Koh (island) and Sarn Chao (is the shrine).

After a 40 minute drive through Bangkok’s bustling traffic, we arrived at Koh Sarn Chao (approx. 30 km west of downtown Bangkok).

How to get here

Take bus no. 124 or take a song thaew (open truck) from Siriraj Hospital. You can tell them to take you to Wat Champa

As soon as we reached, we were met by the community leader who welcomed us and asked us to follow him through his neighborhood.

Walking in through the community, we came across a women cooking a very unique-looking omelette, which has been in the family recipe for over 70 years.

Local Lunch

Khun Tweesak, the community leader, then led us to his home where he invited all of us to have lunch. We were all so amazed by the amount of food that was prepared! Most of these dishes we were familiar with while some were refreshingly new. It was absolutely delicious and we made sure we stuffed our stomachs to the brim (even then there was leftover).

OK my mouth is drooling thinking of the food as I write this. Bbe right back, I’m going to grab some food.

Workshops

After finishing up lunch and soaking in the peaceful environment, we listened to Khun Tweesak explain (in Thai) about his home, the community and what they are good at doing as he showed his awesome skills at banana tree carving.

It was a very humbling experience being in this man’s house and to be a part of his community. There was a lot of mutual respect between the host and the guests, which was great to see.

Next we walked over to the next attraction in Koh Sarn Chao – a vintage perfumery house.

Here we learned about the history and process of making scented decorations such as garlands. They are made from completely organic local materials using Thai powder and scented flowers.

Here we gave a go at making the scented garlands. Notice the ones are that out of shape – yup that is us.

Next a hundred meteres through the greenspace, we came across another house where they offered us baby jackfruit juice.

Apparently, you can’t find this anywhere else in Bangkok. It was my first time trying baby jackfruit juice and to my surprise it was so yummy with a sweet and sour flavor. I would go back just for this bad boy.

Making Banana Cakes

Around the corner, we walked over to our last workshop stop of the day – Baan Suan Rim. This is the home of Grandma Berm and her lovely family. Here we learned how to make her famous banana cakes, which she makes from local ingredients and fresh from her garden – totally organic.

After she made the initial batch of banana/coconut/flour/milk mixture with her bare hands, we helped put it in banana leaves. We also grated coconut into shavings to be placed on top of the batter.

At first it looked easy but when we gave a go at making the banana leaf boats, we realized how difficult it was. It requires patience and a careful hand. It made us appreciate the craftsmanship that is in their blood.

While waiting for the batch of banana cakes to cook, the man of the house (guessing the Grandpa) came out and pointed to me and asked if I wanted any coconut water. The team answered yes on behalf of me and I got my very own coconut. Well me and and a women from UNDP.

So nice! I felt so happy and amazed by their hospitality. Befitting end to an extraordinary day!

Our Takeaways

It is absolutely fantastic that the government and supportive organizations have taken the initiative to do something to protect local communities. They are indeed disappearing to give way to modern ways of living, which are often cloaked under the cause of “development”. But is it really development?

Definitely makes us think twice about buying from corrupt, greedy and profiteering brands. We often see tourists haggling over prices at street shops without any consideration as to how much effort and works goes into making some of the products. Yet, they wouldn’t think twice about buying a branded bag from Chanel or Hermes.

Why is that?

The same goes for tour activities. If you’re going to use a tour to explore a country, why not use locally-infused ones? But then again, we believe people travel their own way and we cannot say which way of traveling is wrong or right. This is simply good awareness that lets people know there is more out there than the beaten path.

Disclaimer: Although this was a media press trip, the thoughts and opinions in this article are our own. We are not also required to promote but we choose to. If you would like to (and in no way obligated) try this or any similar tour, please visit Hivesters website for authentic Thai experiences.